Happy Fish Sushi — Restaurant in Pembroke Pines

I came in today and was hoping for a joyful experience with Gabby present but she wasn’t there so Arina took my takeout order. I ordered a special fried rice Hibachi bowl. I waited to retrieve my order and went to my car to eat. When I opened it up the food was hot and I was excited to dive inside in. Unfortunately the meats were overcooked and tasted burnt. I could not chew the steak nor chicken. I only had a few bites & decided to take it back in right away.

Upon my return I asked if they could fix my order. Arina took my food back to Chef who she originally told me was the manager. He came out and said “I noticed you came here before and said your food was cold so don’t come back here again, find somewhere else to eat.”

Once before there was a young lady waitress who no longer works at Happy Fish, took my order. After the Chef had completed the meal she forgot to give me my food and after 30 minutes of waiting my food was in fact cold because she was engaged elsewhere. The establishment was fully aware that this incident was not my fault and consequently she no longer works there. So the fact that “Juan” the head chef is banning from an establishment due to the meat being overcooked and burnt is absurd.

He went on after to say, “we can get the food fixed this time.” By that time I did not trust that he would complete my order without harming it so I asked for a refund instead. Arina said since her manager was not there she could not process the refund since I paid with a card. I said no problem I’ll wait til your manager processes it.

Arina proceeded to further accuse me of a recurring cycle by falsifying claims that I come every week and return food when I have not been in the state of Florida for months, let alone visit this establishment. Gabby is usually there when I have come in the past. She is outstanding to me with customer service and that’s why I typically tip her more than the cost of my food. Her warmth is the reason I have come back.

When I placed my order Arina did not ask me what my preference was on how I’d like my meat to be cooked. But immediately after I placed my order a white male came in and ordered the exact same meal and she asked preferences on his meats and sauces which were all courtesies she did not render to me when I placed my order.

When she accused me of coming in every week and returning items I asked her why she did not ask me how I would like my food prepared as she asked the white male she said “because he is a regular” I replied well you just lied and said I come every week so wouldn’t that make me a regular too? She got upset and said well if you had a preference you should have just said that. These people are racist and have no sense of customer care. This only my second time ever having an issue and neither time was my fault. The first time as stated the waitress forgot to give me my food and they apologized about that. I waited a total of one hour because I had to wait for the meal to be prepared again. This time was the meats being overcooked and burnt. At nearly $30 for a Hibachi bowl, I intend to enjoy it all not just the rice. If that’s the case, I would have ordered only a side of rice. The whole conversation of this transaction is recorded I wish I could upload it to let everyone hear how rudely I was spoken to. This type of behavior must be stopped.

I would not recommend this place to anyone especially not...

Fun place to eat, great food, everything we tried was amazing!! Little tricky to find (hidden in a strip mall near a Publix) but not too bad. Place has a small bar and a good amount of seating, wait was about 20 mins and it was pretty busy on a Friday night, place was pretty thick with folks. Service was still very quick and very good!!

Side Note: Food seemed to be flying out very quickly once we started ordering. Not a complaint just a heads up, I like good food fast anyways!!

The GOOD: Food was amazing, we tried several apps a sushi roll and 2 entree dishes. Seriously everything we ordered was delicious!!

Sushi- My Favorite Anime - is the roll we tried, it was awesome, sweet salty crunchy smooth, all the things we like in sushi,, also rolled good, so tasty we will get this one again this is a MUST TRY!!

Apps- Gyoza- (pan seared) -Spring Rolls- (nice and crispy) and their version of -Bang Bang shrimp- (just the right crunch and spicy mayo) All of these I would order again and not one complaint about any of them, spot on tasty!!

Entrees- Ton Katsu Ramen- I got the xtra egg and pork this is usually a must for me with ramen. Broth is savory, noodles just right, good amount of noodles. Very good ramen, very warm and savory. Pork is super good also in the dish also.

Next, was the NY Strip Hibachi- cooked medium on the steak served with fried rice and veggies. Steak was very juicy and tender, decent amount. Same for rice and veggies, done just right and the right amounts. Very fine Hibachi dish.

The BAD: Now, only ONE little thing, the DRINKS; in this case non alcoholic ones (this area doesn’t have sweet tea anywhere 😢) and when you order Coke, well it’s a glass of ice and a can of soda, which I don’t mind at all, 😒 but at 3$ bucks a pop, my son and I had 2 cans each and well that’s 12$ bucks for our drinks. 4 can drinks 😳

I always prefer free refills or 2 for 1 on sodas here would be a VERY nice alternative. Anyways that’s the only gripe.. just wanted to mention.

Food is awesome, place is hoppin, service is great, good location, it hits all the check boxes!! Little expensive but worth it seriously. (Everything seems expensive anymore)

If your near this place please check them out, they won’t...

I love this place! Definitely a great local spot to eat sushi that's not in a downtown area. The lychee Martini is a must try ! Plus love the fact that they aren't cheap with their lychees. I definitely recommend the octopus , salmon truffle and the sticky rice is to die for. Super cute food demonstration as well.

Update : I am editing my review and giving this place a one star due to the customer service I received tonight 3/6/2024. I called 7:00 pm To make a reservation for 8:45 pm . I was told over the phone that a 2 hr in advance reservation was needed however I didn’t need one because the restaurant wasn’t too busy. I arrived at the time I originally wanted to go. I was told there would be a 25 min wait by the hostess. I then asked about the reservations and was told I needed 1 hour in advance… so which one is it ? 1 or 2 hour? The person who answered my phone call should’ve taken my reservation. I asked to speak to the manager mean while it took her forever to come. I come here often and it’s upsetting that your reservation system is unreliable and I’m being told two different things in person and over the phone. Opentable would be a great way to make reservations here especially if it’s so busy. Better customer service would’ve also been great on the managers end and the hostess. A simple “ I didn’t answer the phone” isn’t a solution to...